The Arts Foundation Icon Awards - Whakamana Hiranga, honour senior New Zealand artists for their extraordinary achievements. These artists are recognised as leaders in their fields. The Icon Award is the Arts Foundation's highest honour. Icons are artists whose work represents a legacy to, and a mark on, our culture. They have made a significant impact on their chosen art form. They remain influential and inspirational and continue to be admired for their work. Selected during their lifetime, they are world-class.

Each Icon receives a medallion and pin designed by stone sculptor John Edgar (see image above). The artist has the pin forever, while the medallion is presented to a successor at a future ceremony.